Edinburgh Travel Destinations

CLUBS

Club venues are constantly closing down and reopening under new management; consult The List for updated info. Clubs cluster around the historically disreputable Cowgate, just downhill from and parallel to the Royal Mile; most close at 3am.

Cabaret-Voltaire, 36-38 Blair St. Hosting a wide range of live music, dance, and art, this innovative club throws a great party. Cover free-£15, depending on events.

Bongo Club, 14 New St. A fun and very safe club. Noted for its hip-hop, including the long-running and immensely popular Messenger and Headspin nights, which run on alternate Saturdays from each other. Cover free-£10.

The Venue, 17-23 Calton Rd. 3 dance floors run the musical gamut throughout the month. The Venue also hosts top live gigs. Cover £2-8.

Po Na Na, 26 Frederick St. Moroccan-themed and glamorous, replete with parachute ceilings, red velvet couches, and an eclectic mix of disco and funk music. Cover £2-5.

Faith, 207 Cowgate. This purple-hued club housed in an old church specializes in R&B, and runs the very popular Chocolate Sunday each week. Cover free-£6.

GAY AND LESBIAN

The Broughton St. area of the New Town (better known as the Broughton Triangle) is the center of Edinburgh’s gay community.

Planet Out, 6 Baxter’s PI. Start off the night at this mellow club. All drinks £1 on M. Open M-F 4pm-lam, Sa-Su 2pm-lam.

C.C. Bloom’s, 23-24 Greenside PI. on Leith St. A friendly gay club with no cover. M-Sa dancing, Su karaoke. Open M-Sa 6pm-3am, Su 8pm-3am.

Ego, 14 Picardy PI. Hosts several gay nights, including the long-established Joy (1 Sa per month). Cover £10.